Folding slanted back soft top assembly for SUV

ABSTRACT

An articulating slanted back soft top assembly for  4 -door and  2 -door SUVs. A fabric cover is supported by a frame that is at least partially articulatable from at least a closed position to at least one open air position. The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bow member and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rear fabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed position in a manner which allows the fabric to clear a sport bar or “roll bar” member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion of the top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from the side.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/790,836, filed Oct. 23, 2017, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/595,396,filed May 15, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/336,062, filed May 13, 2016, and which also claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/411,249, filedOct. 21, 2016. The instant application additionally claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/441,810, filed Jan. 3,2017. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frameless SUV soft top for a vehicle.In particular, the present invention relates to a soft top assemblyincluding a slanted rear window for a sport utility vehicle. The presentinvention also relates to a tensioning system for incorporation with thesoft top.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Providing sunroof or convertible tops for sport utility (SUV) typevehicles is desired. In recent years, soft top technology has advanced.In recent years, the use of “frameless” designs (e.g., tops that are notattached to the frame of the SUV) have allowed fold-back sunroof topdesigns and even completely retractable tops.

Other advances in soft top design has been a sportier and very popularslanted back design. Unfortunately, in the past such slanted designshave required a framed type structure, e.g., a lot of conventionalframed features and assembly support bows, such as that are fixedattachment to the frame of the SUV or fixed cross car arches or rearfixed cross car arch. Therefore, typically, customers had a tradeoffdecision as to whether they wanted the sporty slanted back look on theirvehicle or the open air features and amenities offered in a framelessdesign.

Known soft top designs do not allow multiple options for conversion of aslanted back top. Furthermore, conventional soft top designs havecomplicated, difficult and time consuming attachment arrangements forsoft goods of the top assembly. Further, conventional soft tops haveinadequate tensioning creating rippling effects, flapping or undesiredmovement or other undesired fit and function of the soft top, e.g., roofdeck or window panels, in the installed position on the vehicle, e.g., 2door or 4 door SUVs.

Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a soft top design withthe open air features and amenities of a frameless top design but withthe styling features of a slanted back design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a sliding/folding, or otherwisearticulating, slanted back soft top assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs,Jeep® type SUVs, the assembly having a slant back window area feature. Asoft top cover is supported by a frame that is articulatable from atleast a closed position, open air sunroof position and open stowedposition(s). The frame includes at least one forward fabric support bowmember and at least one rearward fabric support bow member. The rearwardfabric support bow member being positioned when in the closed positionin a manner which allows the cover to clear a sport bar or “roll bar”member of a vehicle in the closed position such that a rear portion ofthe top is angled from the vertical when viewing the vehicle from theside. The positioning of the rearward fabric support bow member alsoallows the cover to clear the sport bar when rotating to the open stowedposition. In general, the soft top is mounted to the sport bars toprovide lower profile, shape and support, or is mountable to a tub.

The present invention is also directed to a folding slanted back softtop assembly for 4-door and 2-door SUVs, Jeep® type SUVs, or any othersuitable type of motor vehicle, the assembly having a slant back windowarea feature. A soft top cover is supported by a frame including apivotal portion articulatable from at least a closed position to an openair sunroof position and a rearward fabric support bow member operableto set the height and tensioning of the rear of soft top assembly whichis angled downward to adjacent a tailgate opening of the vehicle. Theassembly includes quarter windows and a rear window that are slantedback and provide zipperless or substantially zipperless install. Thequarter windows and rear window of the soft assembly are separatelyremovable from the assembly/vehicle or articulatable to at least oneopen position for an open air top down position. The rearward fabricsupport bow member is position to allow the cover to be positioned overor above the sport bar of the vehicle when the assembly is in the closedor sunroof position while allowing the rear of the assembly to be angledfrom vertical at a predetermined angle. The rearward fabric support bowmember also allows the cover to stay in position when the rear orquarter window(s) are removed.

On a 2-door SUV, the rearward fabric support bow member replaces a reararch, by way of example, and adjusts the rear window position to avoidcontact with the headrest on the rear seats while keeping the slantedback style and appearance. On a 2-door or 4-door SUV, the rearwardfabric support bow member can also be quickly removed from the sportbar, e.g., such as by using quick release pivot knuckles for full topdown experience.

At least one tensioning system is incorporated with the soft topassembly for adjusting the tension of the assembly to provide adjustmentfor the attachment position and fabric tension, which also reducesinstallation effort.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with no4-bow and having a slanted back window feature and articulating linkageassembly, the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a4-door vehicle, in accordance with a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with anarticulating 4-bow coupled to a 3-bow upright and having a slanted backwindow feature and articulating linkage assembly, the assembly is shownin a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with afixed 4-bow coupled to a 3-bow upright and having a slanted back windowfeature, the assembly is shown in a closed position connected to a4-door vehicle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with a rearbow removed and having a slanted back window feature and articulatinglinkage assembly, the assembly is shown in a closed position connectedto a 4-door vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a guide roller captured in a track for asoft top cover assembly, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with a dualbow system and having a slanted back window feature, the assembly isshown in a closed position connected to a 2-door vehicle, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a side elevation illustrating a front bow system of the dualbow system having no 3-bow, the assembly being in a closed position,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a side elevation of a front bow system with the addition of a3-bow, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly having norear bow and having a slanted back window feature and articulatinglinkage assembly, the assembly is shown in a closed position connectedto a 2-door vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a left side rear perspective view of a soft top cover assemblyin a closed position, according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view including a rear transition areaof the soft top cover assembly taken from FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of FIG. 9 with a bow and upright bowflipped up and forward, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective taken from FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a right side rear perspective view including lockdownarrangement features of the soft top cover assembly of FIG. 8, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a left side rear perspective view including a rear assemblyarrangement of the soft top cover assembly of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged rear perspective view including the lockdownarrangement of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with arear bow connected, shown in a closed position connected to a 2-doorvehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of FIG.15 with a sunroof portion rotating to an open position;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of FIGS.15-16 in an open sunroof position;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of FIGS.15-18 in an open/down position;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with arear bow attached, shown in a closed position connected to a 4-doorvehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of FIG.19 with a sunroof portion rotating to an open position;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of FIGS.19-20 in an open sunroof position;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of FIGS.19-21 in an open/down position;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with arear bow attached, shown in a closed position connected to a 4-doorvehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a soft top cover assembly on a 2-doorvehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of a pivotal portion of the softtop cover assembly in a closed position, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of a pivotal portion of the softtop cover assembly in rotation to an open sunroof position, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged side elevation view from the interior of avehicle depicting the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged side elevation view of the soft top coverassembly, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged top plan view of the soft top cover assembly, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged side elevation view of the pivotal portion of thesoft top cover assembly in rotation to the open sunroof position, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged side elevation view of the pivotal portion of thesoft top cover assembly in the open sunroof position, in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the slanted back soft top assembly in aclosed position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a rearward fabric support bow assembly,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a side elevation view from the interior of a vehicledepicting a soft top cover assembly on a 4-door vehicle, in accordancean embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the soft top cover assembly, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a rear elevation view of the soft top cover assembly, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 37 is side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the soft top cover assembly, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a rearward fabric support bow assemblyin a forward/upward position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the rearward fabric support bowassembly rotated to a rearward/downward position, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism for a pivotalportion of the soft top assembly, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a bow with a quick release membermounted to a bracket, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the soft top cover assembly in an opensunroof position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the soft top cover assembly in an openposition, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a quarter window stiffener for a planarslanted back of the soft top cover assembly, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a quarter window of the soft top coverassembly slidably connecting to a top deck of the soft top coverassembly, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a quarter window locating pin andgrommet of a rearward fabric support bow assembly of the soft top coverassembly, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a quarter window connected to atailgate mount coupled to the vehicle, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of quarter window attachment membersattaching to attachment features of the vehicle, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of quarter window attachment membersattaching to attachment features of the vehicle, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of quarter window attachment membersattaching to attachment features of the vehicle, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a rear window of the soft top coverassembly slidably connecting to a top deck of the soft top coverassembly, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of quarter window attachment membersattaching to attachment features of the rear window, in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of rear window tailgate bar attaching toattachment features of the rear window, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the rear window tailgate bar attachingto the tailgate mount connected to the vehicle in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of rear window attachment membersattaching to attachment features of the vehicle, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 57 is a side elevation view of a soft top assembly installed on a2-door vehicle depicted in an open position, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 58 is a side elevation view of the soft top assembly unlatched froma windshield area of the vehicle, in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 59 is a partially exploded view of a pivotal portion mountable tothe vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 60 is an enlarged perspective view of the pivotal portion, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 61 is an enlarged perspective view of a door rail and bow strap ofthe soft top assembly, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a rearward fabric support bow assemblyin a forward/upward position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism for the pivotalportion, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the soft top assembly in an opensunroof position, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the soft top assembly in closedposition with the rear window and quarter window removed, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a door rail with an integrated track,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 67 is an enlarged view of FIG. 66;

FIG. 68 is a sectional schematic of a door rail with an integratedtrack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 69 is a sectional schematic of a track mounted to a sport bar of avehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a tensioning system incorporated intothe soft top assembly installed on a SUV, according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 71 is perspective view of a tensioning system with an inflationpump for incorporation with the soft top assembly, with the cover andwindows removed for clarity, depicted in an environment of use on anSUV, according to the present invention;

FIG. 72 is perspective view of a tensioning system incorporating anadjustable threaded member, with the cover and windows removed forclarity, connected to the SUV, according to the present invention; and

FIG. 73 is top plan view of a tensioning system incorporating a cam,with the cover and windows removed for clarity, connected to the SUV,according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

Referring to the FIGS. 1-14 generally, the present invention provides anarticulating/folding slanted back soft top assembly or “soft top coverassembly” or “assembly” (used interchangeably herein). A rear supportstructure provides for the slanted back. The slanted back provides aprofile that is angled downward in the rear of the vehicle toward thetailgate. More particularly, a rear window panel is a predeterminedangle from the upright position, off-vertical. Generally, at least 15degrees from vertical, typically at least 20 degrees, preferably atleast 25 degrees, most preferably, at least 35 degrees.

The soft top includes an articulating folding frame that folds into aconvertible/stowed/down position. The soft top assembly mounts to avehicle body structure, e.g., body tub or sport bar, most preferably, tothe sport bar. Both independently removable and non-removable windowscan be incorporated with the assembly (e.g., rear window, rear quarterwindows, rear passenger compartment side windows and/or front sidewindows). The window can be attached to the top deck of the cover and/orstay pad of the cover or with a rear window extrusion mounted to the bowstructure or soft goods, e.g., rear window and/or quarter rear windowsthat are attached by zippers, retainers, P-welt retainers withinchannels, J hooks, belt rails, door surrounds or any other suitableattachment and combinations thereof. The soft top assembly isincorporated with an articulating portion, including, a sunroof portion,e.g., flip back header, scissor, and/or sliding. The top deck of thecover is attached to a rear most bow provided for the particular slantedback profile/vehicle, e.g., to a main pivoting bow or 3-bow, a 4-bow,5-bow, etc.

It is understood that the left side of the assemblies are substantiallya mirror-image of the right side of the assemblies. Therefore, forexample, the rear support includes a pair of upright bows connected tothe cross car bow spanning therebetween.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly showngenerally at 10 with no 4-bow, the assembly 10 is shown in a closedposition connected to a 4-door SUV vehicle (with portions removed forclarity, e.g., windshield frame, door rails, door surrounds, front sportbars, fasteners to the sport bars, etc) shown generally at 12, inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. A cover 14is connected to a header 16 or “1-bow”, which connects cross-car to awindshield frame in the closed position to close out the vehicleinterior when desired. The cover 14 is connected to a plurality of bowsand moves between at least a closed position, open sunroof position, andopen/down position(s) such as folded back behind the rearmost seats fora completely open-air experience. The cover 14 is a soft top material,e.g., twill, sailcloth fabric, etc. A rear window is provided on a panel18, which is part of the cover 14 or operably connected thereto. Therear window panel 18 is additionally independently removable in oneembodiment.

At least one bracket 20 is provided (and optionally incorporated with alift assist device such as a lockable lift assist) that is connected toone of the bows, preferably an upright bow, most preferably, a 3-bowupright 22. The bracket 20 is connected to the vehicle, preferably therear sport bar 21, and the 3-bow upright 22 is rotatably connected tothe bracket 20 for rotation of the bow 22 between up/down positions. The3-bow upright 22 is coupled to a bow, preferably, to a 3-bow showngenerally at 24, which is a cross vehicle bow and the rearmost cross carbow in this embodiment. The cover 14 top deck is connected to the 3-bow24. The assembly 10 also includes a 2-bow 26, which is a cross vehiclebow, and a front rail 27 pivotally connected to a rear rail 29 by atleast one joint for rotating the header 16 to the open sunroof position.At least one intermediate bow 31 is also provided, such as on a linkageassembly shown generally at 33.

The rear panel 18 angles downward and connects toward the rear or rearcorners of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the rear panel 18 isconnected to angled upright corners of the rear quarter panels and/or totailgate bars.

The 3-bow 24 and 3-bow upright 22 helps set the rear height of the topdeck/cover transition to the rear window panel.

When the top is closed the material is taut. But when the header 16 isdisconnected from the vehicle and rotated rearward to the open sunroofposition, the 3-bow can be slid or otherwise moved generally rearward.When the 3-bow 24 is slid back in a rearward direction (as indicated byarrow, “A”) to a predetermined location this allows at least one windowto be attached by making it easier to reach and manipulate attachmentfeatures. According to one embodiment, the articulatable frame is slidin a captive motion track.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with anarticulating 4-bow 30 rotatably connected to the 3-bow upright 22 atpivot joint 28, the assembly is shown in a closed position connected toa 4-door vehicle (with portions, e.g., front sport bar, removed forclarity), in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. This embodiment preferably has like components as FIG. 1,however, a bow link 30, preferably, a 4-bow link 30, is provided on aforward portion 32 of the 3-bow upright 22, which 4-bow link 30 is anarticulating 4-bow. The 4-bow link 30 is suitably fastened to the 3-bowupright 22, e.g., bolted and/or welded, etc. The 4-bow link 30 has across vehicle 4-bow 36 that is connected to the cover 14 top deck. The4-bow is the rearmost upper bow in this embodiment. The 4-bow 36 setsthe rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear windowpanel. A stop 39 is provided on the 3-bow upright 22 to locate the 4-bowlink 30/bow 36. Alternatively, stay pad to the rear bow locates.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly with afixed 4-bow 34 connected to the 3-bow upright 22, the assembly is shownin a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle (with portionsremoved for clarity, e.g., windshield frame, front sport bar), inaccordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Thisembodiment preferably has like components as FIG. 1, however, a bow 34,preferably, a 4-bow 34, is provided on a forward portion 32 of the 3-bowupright 22, which 4-bow 34 is not an articulating 4-bow. The 4-bow 34helps set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rearwindow panel. The 4-bow 34 has a cross vehicle bow 38 that is connectedto the cover 14 top deck.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly showngenerally at 50 having a sliding framework indicated generally at 52,the assembly 50 is shown in a closed position connected to a 4-doorvehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.Preferably, the sliding framework 52 includes rollers guided withinguide track(s) that are operably connected to at least the sport bar 53.The guide tracks run fore-aft along the sport bar 53 and may also curvedownward to generally follow the rear sport bar 21. Most preferably, atleast one bracket 66 is fixedly connected to a linkage 68 of theassembly 50 and is connected to at least one roller that slides in achannel of the track (guide tracks are omitted for clarity). A frontrail 70 is pivotally connected to the linkage 68 at least one pivotjoint 72 to rotate the front rail 70 to the open sunroof position.

A cover 54 is operably connected to a header 56 or “1-bow”, whichconnects to a windshield frame in the closed position to close out thevehicle interior. The cover 54 is operably connected to a plurality ofbows and moves between at least a closed position, open sunroofposition, and open/down position(s) (e.g., such as the articulatinglinkage assembly 418, depicted in FIGS. 21-22 but without the rear bow).A rear window is provided on a panel 58, which is part of the cover 54or operably connected thereto. The rear window panel 58 is independentlyremovable in one embodiment (e.g., attached by zippers, retainers,P-welt retainers within channels, belt rail or any other suitableattachment and combinations thereof).

At least one bracket 60 is provided (and optionally incorporated with alift assist device such as a lockable lift assist shown generally at62), wherein the bracket 60 is operably connected to one of the bows,preferably an upright bow, most preferably, a 5-bow upright 64. Thebracket 60 is connected to the vehicle, preferably the rear sport bar21, and the 5-bow upright 64 is rotatably connected to the bracket 20for rotation of the bow 64 between up/down positions. The 5-bow upright64 is coupled to a bow shown generally at 65, preferably, a 5-bow 65,which is a cross vehicle bow. The assembly 10 also includes a 4-bow 74,3-bow 76 and 2-bow 78, which are cross vehicle bows. There is no rear6-bow, e.g., connected to the bracket 62 and extending generally upwardin a rearward direction.

The 5-bow 65 and 5-bow upright 64 helps set the rear height of the topdeck/cover transition to the rear window panel.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary roller guided in a track. At least one track79 is connected to the vehicle, e.g., sport bar, and the articulatingframe is coupled to the track. Preferably, at least one guide featureretained in the track is slid to move the top rearward to an open/downposition. The at least one bracket 66 has a pin 75 connected to at leastone roller 79 guided in the guide track 79. The track 79 is connected tothe vehicle, preferably, to the sport bar 53 and/or 21 with a pluralityof brackets. The roller 77 guided, slid or rolled, in the track 79 movesthe top 10 between the open sunroof position and at least one rearwardopen position.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly showngenerally at 80 having a dual bow system, the assembly 80 is shown in aclosed position connected to a 2-door vehicle 13, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention. There is provided a frontbow system shown generally at 82 and a rear support structure that is arear bow system shown generally at 84. The front bow system 82 ismoveable between at least a closed position and open sunroof position. Afront rail 85 of the front bow system 82 is connected to a header 83.The front rail 85 is also connected to a rear rail 89 by at least onepivot joint shown generally at 86 such that the front bow system 82pivots about this joint 86 to the open sunroof position. A bracket 88 isconnected to the vehicle, preferably, to a mid-way sport bar upright 87to pivotally attach the rear rail 89 of the front bow system 82 to thevehicle. The rear rail 89 is also connected to a 2-bow 91. The rear rail89 rotates the front bow system 82 between the open sunroof position anda downward stowed position.

The rear bow system 84 is a rear bracket system with an upstanding bowto set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rearwindow. At least one bracket 90 is connected to the vehicle, preferably,to a rear upright sport bar 93. Alternatively, the bracket 90 is mountedto tub(s). A rear bow upright 92 is rotatably connected to the bracket90. A rear window is provided on a panel 94, which is part of the cover96 or operably connected thereto. The rear bow upright 92 helps set therear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel.The rear bow upright 92 has a cross vehicle bow 99 that is connected tothe cover 96 top deck.

The rear window panel 94 is additionally independently removable in oneembodiment.

The rear panel 94 angles downward and connects toward the rear or rearcorners of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the rear panel 94 isconnected to angled upright corners of the rear quarter panels and/or totailgate bars.

A system to fully open the cover 96 to an open/down position is withinthe scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, there is no3-bow. In another, there is a 3-bow connected to the bracket 88, e.g.,pivotally connected to the bracket and operably coupled to the cover 96.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged side elevation of FIG. 6 having no 3-bow,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a side elevation illustrating some features of the soft topcover assembly of FIG. 6 (with the vehicle omitted for clarity), theassembly being in a closed position and having a 3-bow 98, according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly showngenerally at 100 with a guide track/slider system indicated generally at102, the assembly 100 is shown in a closed position connected to a2-door vehicle 13, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. Preferably, the sliding framework, e.g., guide track withrollers guided therein carried by at least one bracket, is operablyconnected to at least the rear sport bars 104 upper. FIG. 5 depicts anexemplary guide track and roller system. A cover 106 is connected to aheader 108 or “1-bow”, which connects to a windshield frame in theclosed position to close out the vehicle interior. The cover 106 isoperably connected to a plurality of bows and moves between at least aclosed position, open sunroof position, and open/down position(s) (e.g.,such as the articulating linkage assembly 418, depicted in FIGS. 16-18but without the rear bow of FIG. 16). A rear window is provided on apanel 110, which is part of the cover 106 or operably connected thereto,as set forth above. The rear window panel 110 is independently removablein one embodiment.

At least one bracket 112 is provided (and optionally incorporated with alift assist device such as a lockable lift assist 114) that is connectedto a rear support structure including one of the bows, preferably anupright bow, most preferably, a 5-bow upright 116. The bracket 112 ismounted to the vehicle, preferably the rear sport bar 93, and the 5-bowupright 116 is rotatably connected to the bracket 112 for rotation ofthe bow 116 between up/down positions. The 5-bow upright 116 is coupledto a bow shown generally at 118, preferably, a 5-bow 118, which is across vehicle bow. The assembly 100 can also include a 2-bow 120, 3-bow122 and 4-bow 124 which are cross vehicle bows. The assembly alsoincludes a front rail 126 pivotally connected to a rear rail 128 by atleast one joint for rotating the header 108 to the open sunroofposition. There is no rear bow (e.g., such as an original equipment rearbow, extending generally upward in a rearward direction.

The rear panel 110 angles downward and connects toward the rear or rearcorners of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the rear panel 110 isconnected to angled upright corners of the rear quarter panels and/or totailgate bars.

The 5-bow 118 and 5-bow upright 116 helps set the rear height of the topdeck/cover transition to the rear window panel.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments, more or less bows arecontemplated (including fabric management bows, bows to clear the coverfor articulating down to the stowed position, etc) depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.The additional bows can, by way of non-limiting example, be mounted offexisting holes for a stay pad, mounted off uprights for additionalarticulations, etc.

Referring generally to FIGS. 8-14, a soft top cover assembly, showngenerally at 200, is provided that is a slanted back profile, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention (with the cover removed forclarity). The assembly 200 in FIG. 8 is in a closed position on avehicle 201. A cover is operably connected to a header (shown in FIG.2), which connects to a windshield frame in the closed position to closeout the vehicle interior. The cover is operably connected to a pluralityof bows and moves between at least a closed position, open sunroofposition, and open/down position. A rear window is provided on a panel,which is part of the cover or operably connected thereto. The rearwindow is independently removable in one embodiment. The rear panelangles downward and connects toward the rear or rear corners of thevehicle. Preferably, the front of the assembly is a flip back sunroofthat moves between the closed and open sunroof position (e.g., FIG. 2).

At least one bracket 202 is provided (and optionally incorporated with alift assist device such as a lockable lift assist) that is mounted tothe vehicle, preferably the rear sport bar 203, one of the bows,preferably an upright bow, most preferably, a 3-bow upright 204, isrotatably connected to the bracket 202 to rotate the cover between theup position and the open/down position. The 3-bow upright 204 isconnected to a 3-bow 208 via a bracket 206 that is connected to the3-bow 208 and to the 3-bow upright 204. The 3-bow is a cross car bow.Optionally, the bracket 206 is fastened to a strap pad 210, e.g., wovenstrap, by a plurality of fasteners 211.

A 4-bow link 212 is mounted to the 3-bow upright 204 via a pivot joint214 (alternatively, the joint 214 is a fixed joint). The 4-bow link 212is connected to a 4-bow 216, which is a cross vehicle bow. This 4-bow216 is the rearmost bow in this embodiment. The 4-bow 216 sets the rearheight of the top deck/cover transition to the rear window panel.

The assembly also includes at least a 2-bow 218. Additional bows, suchas intermediate bows or fabric management bows, and additional linkagesare within the scope of the present invention.

Another bracket 220 connects the 4-bow 216 to the 4-bow link 212 (asshown in FIG. 10 where the 4-bow 216 is flipped up/forward revealing thebracket 220).

The assembly also includes a lockout system shown generally at 222,including an upstanding brace 224 connected to the 3-bow upright 204 toselectively hold the 4-bow link 212 in a locked position. A mountingbracket 226 is provided on the bow 204 to pivotally connect the 4-bowlink 212 at the joint 214. The 4-bow link 212 is also connected to thebracket 220 connected to the 4-bow 216. The forward end of the 3-bowupright 204 is connected to the other bracket 206 which is operablyconnected to a spring system shown generally at 228. The 4-bow link 212of the lockdown assembly 224 selectively fits into the brace 224 to holdthe 4-bow 216 generally in a locked position.

Referring to FIGS. 15-23 generally, there are provided additionalembodiments with a rear bow added. These tops are preferably not slantedback or are minimally slanted. Thus, the rear window will be morevertical to the top deck of the cover. However, the soft tops areconvertible to a slant back with modifications, including, removing therear bow and using a suitable cover for a rear support structure of aslanted back arrangement, depending on the particular application. It isparticularly preferable in an embodiment that the articulating framelargely stays the same, regardless of whether or not the soft topassembly is a slanted back, but the rear bow features are removed andany other suitable modifications are made or attachment features addedto set the rear height of the top deck/cover transition to the rearwindow panel depending on the application when a slanted back isdesired. This results in significant advantages by not having to changeout the entire soft top assembly. Further, universal framework can beused.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 15-18, there is provided a soft topcover assembly shown generally at 300 in a closed position (or “upposition”) connected to a 2-door vehicle 13 (the cover and windows areomitted for clarity) with the addition of a rear bow, according to anembodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to FIG.7, however, there is a rear bow link 318 with a lift assist and handlerelease provided on the rear bow, shown generally at 316. The assembly300 has a guide track/slider system indicated generally at 302.Preferably, the sliding framework 302, e.g., guide track with aplurality of rollers guided therein such as depicted in FIG. 5) isoperably connected to at least the rear sport bars 304. A cover isoperably connected to a header 308, which connects to a windshield framein the closed position to close out the vehicle interior. The cover isoperably connected to a plurality of bows and moves between at least aclosed position, open sunroof position (or “sun position”), andopen/down position (or “down position”). A rear window is provided on apanel, which is part of the cover or operably connected thereto. Therear window is independently removable in one embodiment. A bracket 310is provided on the rear sport bars 304 operably connected to one of thebows 312 for rotation to an open/down position. A lift assist assemblyshown generally at 314 is operably connected to the bracket 310.Preferably, the lift assist 314 is a locking lift assist. A lift assistrelease assembly (or “trigger assembly”) is provided on the rear bow 316to release the lift assist 314 to allow rotation of the assembly 300 tothe open/down position. The trigger assembly 316 is connected to therear bow link 318, which link 318 is pivotally connected to the bracket310, and can be a cord type release with a pull that releases at leastone lift assist assemblies 314 at the same time to facilitate rotationof the assembly 300. This embodiment can have two lift assists; the liftassist 314 in the rear cargo area and a lift assist arrangement on alinkage assembly coupled to a side rail 322 of the assembly 300.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly 300 ofFIG. 15 with a sunroof portion in the process of rotating to an opensunroof position, according to the present invention. There isillustrated the articulating linkage assembly shown generally at 320with at least one lift assist mechanism, shown generally at 324. By wayof non-limiting example, the lift assist 324 can include two gascylinders 326,326 in force opposition coupled to the rear rail 301 andto a linkage assembly shown generally at 328 to assist in opening andclosing of the sunroof portion of the soft top. The linkage assembly 328is connected to a 4-bow 338, which may be a fabric assist bow. A secondand third linkage assembly, shown generally at 330 and 322 are providedwith a 3-bow and 2-bow, respectively, 324,326 which either or both maybe fabric management bows.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly 300 ofFIG. 15 in an open sunroof position, according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of FIG.15 in an open/down position, according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 19-22 generally there is provided a side elevationview of a soft top cover assembly shown generally at 400 in a closedposition (or “up position”) connected to a 4-door vehicle (the cover andrear window panel is omitted for clarity), according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to FIG.4, however, there is a rear bow added, shown generally at 420, with ahandle release provided for a lift assist, shown generally at 422. Arear bow link 424 pivotally connects the rear bow 420 to the lift assist422 and bracket 406. The assembly 400 has a sliding framework indicatedgenerally at 402 (e.g., such as depicted in FIG. 5). Preferably, thesliding framework 402, e.g., guide track with rollers guided therein) isoperably connected to at least the rear sport bars. A cover (omitted forclarity) is operably connected to a header 404, which connects to awindshield frame in the closed position to close out the vehicleinterior. The cover is operably connected to a plurality of bows andmoves between at least a closed position, open sunroof position, andopen/down position. A rear window is provided on a panel (omitted forclarity), which is part of the cover or operably connected thereto. Therear window is independently removable in one embodiment. A bracket 406is operably connected to one of the bows, preferably 5-bow upright 408,for rotation to an open/down position.

The lift assist assembly 422 is operably connected to the bracket 406.Preferably, the lift assist 420 is a locking lift assist. A lift assistrelease assembly (or “trigger assembly”) on the rear bow 420 is providedto release the lift assist 422 to allow rotation of the assembly 400 tothe open/down position. The trigger can be a cord type release (or anyother suitable release) with a pull that releases at least one liftassist assemblies 422 at the same time to facilitate rotation of theassembly 400. Another lift assist arrangement on a linkage assemblycoupled to a side rail 416 of the assembly 400, e.g., incorporating gascylinders 440,400 in force opposition.

There is illustrated the articulating linkage assembly 418. At least a4-bow 430 is provided on a first linkage assembly, shown generally at438. At least a 3-bow 428 is provided on a second linkage assembly,shown generally at 436. At least a 2-bow 426 is provided on a thirdlinkage assembly, shown generally at 434. The 5-bow 432 is also providedconnected to the 5-bow upright 408. The 5-bow upright 408 is rotatablyconnected to the lift assist 422 and bracket 406.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly 400 ofFIG. 19 with a sunroof portion in the process of rotating to an opensunroof position, according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly 400 ofFIG. 20 in an open sunroof position, according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the soft top cover assembly of FIGS.20-21 in an open/down position, according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of a soft top cover assembly showngenerally at 500 in a closed position connected to a 4-door vehicle 12(with portions removed for clarity), according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. In one embodiment, a rear bow link 502 isrotatably connected to the rear sport bars 504 by a bracket 506. A 5-bowupright 508 is connected to a 4-bow shown generally at 510. Thisembodiment is similar to FIG. 1, however, there is a rear bow 512 andrear bow link 502 added.

In another embodiment the soft top is removable from the vehicle when inthe open/down position.

The soft top assembly according to any embodiment of the presentinvention is also preferably secured to front door surrounds, andadditionally rear door surrounds for 4-door vehicles (such as FIGS. 9and 11 rear door surround).

Providing at least one seal, e.g., rubber, foam, etc, to further preventwater from entering the vehicle is contemplated without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. Preferably, rubber to prevent waterpermeation. According to one embodiment, the seal, e.g., bulb seal, islocated on a door rail and seals off with the underside of the header.

Providing a unique header to door rail interface is contemplated withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Adding at least oneseal in this region is contemplated without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

Providing at least one hole in a trough/lip area of a door rail, e.g.,between door edge and door weather-strip, for assisting with waterdrainage is contemplated without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Providing at least one stop to set the predetermined height of theassembly in the open sunroof position is contemplated without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

Providing a header that is steel, cast aluminum, molded plastic, or anyother material to meet predetermined requirements is contemplatedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably,the header is cast aluminum.

The cover is operably coupled to the header. Visual attachment offasteners for access is contemplated without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

Preferably, the soft top assembly is secured to a windshield frame withquick release latches. Locating features on each latch and acorresponding saddle on the windshield frame are contemplated withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

At least one locking mechanism, e.g., rear location to lock downposition of top in down position, and/or at least one trigger releasearrangement is provided according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Incorporating removable soft upper half door(s), soft full door(s)and/or soft quarter panels with any of the above soft top coverassemblies is contemplated without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

The 2-door and 4-door descriptions described herein are not limiting. Itis understood that any embodiment, and combinations thereof, describedherein can be modified and is/are utilizable on any convertible, 2-dooror 4-door vehicle.

It is understood that the left side of the assemblies are substantiallya mirror-image of the right side of the assemblies.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 to 32, there is provided a soft top coverassembly, shown generally at 600, that is a slanted back soft topassembly for a 2-door SUV, or any other suitable type of motor vehicle,in accordance with the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 32, theassembly 600 provides an angled back, as indicated at 601. This angle isa predetermined range amount off vertical. The assembly 600 is movablebetween at least a closed position closing off an opening generallyabove the front cockpit of the vehicle and at least one open sunroofposition (see FIG. 31) to rotate the cover rearward out of the way toprovide an open air feel.

The assembly 600 includes an articulating frame indicated generally at602 including a pivotal portion shown generally at 604 forming a frontbow system. The pivotal portion 604 is moveable between at least aclosed position and at least one open sunroof position. The pivotalportion 604 includes a front header 606 or “1 bow” operable connected toa cover 608 that is a soft top material. The pivotal portion 604 alsoincludes a second bow 609 and a linkage assembly including a front rail610 and a rear rail 612 operably connected by at least one intermediatelink 614 at pivot joints shown generally at 616,618. It is understoodthat additional links or rails are contemplated depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.Alternatively, a single rail 610 or 612 is provided and operablypivotally connected to the vehicle or door rail depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.

The rear rail 612 is affixed to the vehicle at a pivot point, showngenerally at 620, provided on a mounting bracket 622. The mountingbracket 622 is located at a predetermined location on the vehicledepending on the application, preferably, mounted to a cross carstructural member 624 adjacent to the front cockpit opening to providean open air experience when the pivotal portion 604 is rotated to theopen sunroof position. Alternatively, the mounting bracket 622 ismounted to a sport bar, e.g., such as the front sport bar 630, or a doorrail.

Another pivot point, shown generally at 626, is provided on a front doorrail 628. The pivot point 626 is a bracket integrally formed with thedoor rail 628 or is a pivot bracket fastened to the door rail 628. Thedoor rail 628 is connected to the vehicle, preferably, connected to afront sport bar 630 of the vehicle with a plurality of fasteners 632,such as threaded fasteners, extending through clamping surfaces 634 onthe door rail 628. The front door rail 628 is also in sealing engagementwith the front door 636 of the vehicle.

Preferably, the front rail 610 is attached to the pivot joint 626 of thefront door rail 628 with a quick release member 638, e.g., such as aspring catch release knob that is pulled out of an aperture of the frontrail 610 and tab 627 on the bracket 626 to quickly release the frontrail 610 knuckle from the front door rail bracket. A slot 648 is formedon the knuckle or end of the front rail 610 to receive the bracket 628.Preferably, the rear rail 612 is also attached to the mounting bracket622 with a quick release member 640, e.g., such as a spring catchrelease knob that is pulled from an aperture to quickly release the rearrail 612 from the mounting bracket 622. A slot 650 is formed on theknuckle or end of the rear rail 612 to receive a tab of the bracket 622.Alternatively to the spring catch release knob, either rail 610 and 612is attached with at least one fastener that is a bolt 642 and nut, screwor any other suitable fastener for attachment to the respective bracket622 or 628.

The cover 608 extends over the second bow 609 and the bow 609 assists inmanaging the fabric to operably fold out of the way into the opensunroof position. It is understood that the cover 608 can be operableconnected to the second bow 609 when desired depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.By way of non-limiting example, an extrusion sewn to the cover 608 isreceived in a channel provided on the second bow 609 or vice versa.

The assembly 600 also includes at least one limiting stop 644. The stop644 sets the height of the pivotal portion or any predetermined rail orlink thereof in the open or closed positions. The stop 644 is depictedon the intermediate link 614, however, it is understood that at leastone stop can be located anywhere on the pivotal portion 604 or frontdoor rail 628 or on a rear door rail 646 or mounted to the vehicle.

The assembly 600 further includes a rearward fabric support bowassembly, shown generally at 652, which is fixedly connected to thevehicle, most preferably, to the rear sport bar 654 of the vehicle. Therearward fabric support bow is orientated in a generally upwardposition. A mounting bracket 656 is operably connected to the sport bar654 (or other suitable vehicle structure) with at least one fastener. Ina preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 656 at least partiallywraps around the sport bar 654 and includes a tab 658 that is receivedin a slot 660 formed on the knuckle or end of a rear bow upright 662.Preferably, the rear bow upright 662 is attached to the tab 658 with aquick release member (e.g., such as depicted in FIG. 42), e.g., such asa spring catch release knob that is pulled out of an aperture of therear bow upright 662 and tab 658 on the bracket 656 to quickly releasethe rear bow upright 662 knuckle from the bracket 656.

The rear bow upright 662 is operably connected to a rear bow 664,preferably, by a bracket 668 connecting the rear bow upright 662 to therear bow 664. The rearward fabric support bow assembly 652, preferablythe rear bracket 668, also includes a tab with a grommet 680 forconnecting windows of the assembly. Preferably, at least one bumper isprovided on the upright bow 662 as a stand-off with the sport bar 654.Since the upright bow 662 is in a generally upward vertical position,the bumper is between the bow 662 and sport bar 654. The rear bow 664includes an extension portion 672 to which stay straps for the cover 608are operably connected, preferably by a plurality of fasteners. Anaperture is provided on the extension portion 672 to receive atensioning member, most preferably, a cable spring attached at one endto the extension portion 672 and that extends through pocket(s) formedon cover 608 edge and operably attaches at the other end to the pivotalportion 604, e.g., second bow 609 or a corner bracket of the second bow,or to a door rail or to the header.

The rear mounting bracket 656 is preferably on the rear of the sport bar654. Alternatively, the mounting bracket 656 is mounted such that thetab 658 is located on an inner surface of the sport bar 654 to attachthe rear bow upright 662 inward.

The cover 608 extends over the rear bow 664 and the rearward fabricsupport bow assembly 652 assists in cover 608 tensioning and setting theheight of the slanted back of the assembly 600. The rear bow 664 alsoallows the cover 608 to clear the vehicle structure, such as a rearcross car member and sport bar.

It is understood that the cover 608 can additionally be operableconnected to the rear bow 664 in the cross car direction when desireddepending on the application without departure from the scope of thepresent invention. By way of non-limiting example, the cover 608 isconnected to the rear bow 664 with a plurality of fasteners, e.g.,screws, or an extrusion sewn to the cover 608 is received in a channelprovided on the rear bow 664 or vice versa. Most preferably, the cover608 is secured to the bows of the assembly with flaps of materialprovided on the inner surface of the cover. By way of non-limitingexample, flaps are sewn or otherwise suitably attached to the surface ofthe cover that will face the inside of the vehicle and provided withtongue and loop. The 2-bow 609 and/or rear bow 664 are secured to thecover 608 with respective flaps of the cover 608. Alternatively, oradditionally, straps are used. In a move preferred embodiment, the 2-bow609 is a fabric management bow that assists in managing the cover tofold at least the open sunroof position.

At least one additional cross car member can be used which is/areinserted into slot(s) moved on the front rail 628.

The rearward fabric support bow assembly 652 is a significantimprovement over any soft top that does not have a rear bow 664 or justan extruded stiffener in the rear of the top deck. The rearward fabricsupport bow assembly 652 of the present invention also helps to keep thecover 608 from shifting side-to-side.

The assembly 600 selectively provides further plurality of open airoptions, including, removal of a rear window 674 or one or both ofrearward quarter windows 676. When the rear window 674 and both quarterwindows 676 are removed, the cover 608 can remain attached providing aroof top with the top deck 678 alone or the pivotal portion 604 can berotated to the open sunroof position such that the front cockpit is notcovered but the rest of the top deck 678 covers the top of the vehicle.The assembly pivotal portion 604 and rearward fabric support bowassembly and cover 608 can also be removed from the vehicle to provide afully open air experience. The quick release members assist in quickerremoval of the assembly 600 from the vehicle when desired. The windows674 and 676 are preferably connected to the top deck 678 and vehicle ina zipperless manner, which will be explained in greater detail below andas depicted in FIGS. 45 to 56, which are incorporated here. It isunderstood that the rearward fabric support bow assembly 652 isadaptable to be rotatably mounted to the sport bar 654 for rotating froma generally upward position to a generally downward position to stow thecover 608 in the tub to provide a yet further open air experience ifdesired depending on the application without departure from the scope ofthe present invention.

The back of the assembly 600 is slanted. Generally, the angle of theslanted back 601 is less than 90 degrees. Typically, from about 75 toabout 30 degrees. Preferably, from 75 to about 40 degrees. Mostpreferably, from 70 to 45 degrees.

The present invention provides for the slanted back. The slanted backprovides a profile that is angled downward in the rear of the vehicletoward the tailgate. More particularly, a rear window panel can be at apredetermined angle from the upright position, off-vertical. Generally,at least 15 degrees from vertical, typically at least 20 degrees,preferably at least 25 degrees, most preferably, at least 35 degrees,particularly preferred from about 15 to 45 degrees.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 to 33, in particular to FIG. 33, there isprovided a soft top cover assembly with an identical pivotal portion 604as described previously, but the soft top assembly has an alternativerearward fabric support bow assembly, shown generally at 682,incorporating a tensioning device that is spring loaded to the vehiclefor providing adjustable fabric tensioning. A particularly preferredenvironment of use for the rearward fabric support bow assembly 682 is a4-door SUV, however, the assembly 682 is adaptable for incorporating ona 2-door SUV or any other suitable type of motor vehicle, in accordancewith the present invention. The soft top cover assembly also preferablyincludes front and/or rear door rails 628, 646 as described previously.

The rearward fabric support bow assembly 682 includes a mounting bracket684 operably connected to the vehicle by at least one fastener,preferably, to a rear cross car member 686 of the vehicle, mostpreferably, to the rear sport bar 654. The bracket 684 is operablyconnected to a tube 688 that is closed on the end. A fixed bushing 690is received in the tube 688. A cylinder 692 having a limiting slot 694is received in the fixed bushing 690 that is located in the tube 688. Apin 695 is sized to travel in the limiting slot 694. A washer is locatedat the end of the cylinder 696. The other end of the cylinder 696 isoperably connected to a rear bow 697 of the rearward fabric support bowassembly 682. A spring is located inside the tube 688 against thebushing 690 and about the outer diameter of the cylinder 692. Anextension portion 699 is operably connected to the rear bow 686. Anaperture 693 is provided on the extension portion 699 to receive atensioning member, most preferably, a cable spring attached at one endto the extension portion 699 and with a cord that extends throughpocket(s) formed toward the fore/aft edge of cover 208 and operablyattaches at the other end with a spring to the pivotal portion 604,e.g., second bow 609 or a corner bracket of the second bow, or to a doorrail. The pin 695 is goes through an aperture of the tube 688 and intothe limiting slot 694. The pin 695 limits the travel in the slot 694 fortensioning the top cover 208. The cylinder 692 pushes on the bushing 690and the washer 696, which in turn pushes on the spring 698 and bottomsout in the tube 688.

Thus, the spring loaded fabric support bow assembly 682 assists in covertensioning and setting the height of the slanted back 601 of the softtop cover assembly. The rear bow 697 also allows the cover to clear thevehicle structure, such as a rear cross car member and sport bar.

Preferably, the spring loaded fabric support bow assembly 682 forms arear bow that replaces a typical fixed cross car arch with asemi-permanent spring loaded bow installed on the sport bar. The uniquespring feature includes a compression spring to provide adjustment forthe attachment position and fabric tension which further reducesinstallation effort. Typically, the fabric is attached to the rear bowby snaps allowing the customer to completely remove the fabric withouttools when desired. Alternatively, attachment is contemplated, e.g.,adhesive, sewn pocket(s), and/or fastener(s), depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.

The pivotal portion moves between at least a closed position and atleast one open sunroof position. The assembly also selectively providesfurther plurality of open air options, including, removal of a rearwindow or one or both of rearward quarter windows. When the rear windowand both quarter windows are removed, the cover can remain attachedproviding a roof top with the top deck alone or the pivotal portion canbe rotated to the open sunroof position such that the front cockpit isnot covered but the rest of the top deck covers the top of the vehicle.The assembly pivotal portion 604 and rearward fabric support bowassembly 682 and cover can also be removed from the vehicle to provide afully open air experience. The windows are preferably connected to thetop deck and vehicle in a zipperless manner, which will be explained ingreater detail below and as depicted in FIGS. 45 to 56, which areincorporated here.

Referring now to FIGS. 34 to 58, there is provided a soft top coverassembly, shown generally at 700, that is a slanted back soft toassembly for a 4-door SUV, or any other suitable type of motor vehicle,in accordance with the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 56, theassembly 700 provides a slanted back, as indicated at 701. This angle isa predetermined range amount off vertical. The assembly 700 is movablebetween a closed position closing off an opening generally above atleast the front cockpit of the vehicle, more preferably, generally abovethe front and rear cockpit, and at least one open sunroof position (seeFIG. 45) to rotate the cover rearward of the rear passenger compartmentout of the way to provide an open air feel.

The assembly 700 includes an articulating frame indicated generally at702 including a pivotal portion shown generally at 704, forming a frontbow system, and a rearward fabric support bow assembly. The pivotalportion 704 is moveable between at least a closed position and at leastone open sunroof position. The pivotal portion 704 includes a frontheader 706 or “1 bow” operable connected to a cover 708 that is a softtop material. The pivotal portion 704 also includes a second bow 709 anda linkage assembly including a front rail 710 pivotally connected to arear rail 712 at a pivot joint, generally shown at 713. The pivot joint713 is generally located adjacent to and behind the B-pillar 715 of thevehicle. However, any predetermined location is contemplated dependingon the application without departure from the scope of the presentinvention. Alternatively, a single rail 710 or 712 is provided andoperably pivotally connected to the door rail depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.

The first rail 710 is operably connected to the second bow 709 by atleast a first intermediate link 714 a that is also pivotally connectedto the first rail 710. The rear rail 712 is operably connected to thesecond bow 709 by a second intermediate link 714 b that is alsopivotally connected to the rear rail 712 at pivot joint 718. It isunderstood that additional links and rails are contemplated depending onthe application without departure from the scope of the presentinvention.

The rear rail 712 is connected at a forward end to the first rail 710,and the rearward end of the rear rail 712 is operably connected to anintermediate bow assembly, shown generally at 720 (e.g., 3-bowassembly), preferably, to a bracket 722 provided on the 3-bow assembly720. Most preferably, the rear rail 712 includes a slot at the knuckleor end of the rear rail 712 that receives a tab of the bracket 722secured with at least one fastener thereby providing a pivotalconnection for the rear rail 712.

At least one locking mechanism is provided, shown generally at 724, toengage a tab 726 provided to secure the pivotal portion in place when inthe closed position and open sunroof position. A door rail, e.g., reardoor rail 728, is operably coupled to a rotatable latch 730 havingspring catch 732 that rotates to lock to the tab 726. In this positionthe pivotal portion 704 is kept from moving rearward when in the opensunroof position. Depressing the latch 730 (indicated by the arrow inFIG. 41) causes the latch 730 to rotate to release the spring catch 732from the tab 726. Once released, the pivotal portion 704 can be removedfrom the rear door rail 728 and moved rearward toward the tailgate anddown into the cargo area of the vehicle, as will be explained in furtherdetail below.

The assembly 700 also includes at least one limiting stop 744. The stop744 sets the height of the pivotal portion or any predetermined rail orlink thereof in the open or closed positions. The stop 744 is depictedcoupled to the front or rear rail 710, 712, however, it is understoodthat at least one stop can be located anywhere on the pivotal portion704 or front door rail 728 or on a rear door rail 746 or mounted to thevehicle. The rear door rail 746 is operable coupled to the vehicle,e.g., sport bar 747 and D-pillar area 749.

The assembly 700 also includes a front door rail 728 connected to thevehicle, preferably, connected to a front sport bar 730 of the vehiclewith a plurality of fasteners, such as threaded fasteners, extendingthrough clamping surfaces 733 on the front door rail 728. The front doorrail 728 is also in sealing engagement with the front door 735 of thevehicle.

The 3-bow assembly 720 includes a 3-bow 734. The bracket 722 of the3-bow assembly 720 also includes at least one aperture 736 to connect atensioning member 738, preferably, a spring 738 for a cable 740 runningthrough pocket(s) of the cover 708 to tension the cover 708. The cover708 extends over the second and third bows 709 and 734. It is understoodthat the cover 708 can be operable connected to the second bow 709and/or third bows 734 when desired depending on the application withoutdeparture from the scope of the present invention. By way ofnon-limiting example, an extrusion sewn to the cover 708 is received ina channel provided on the second bow 709 or third bow 734, or viceversa. The other end of the cable can include a second tensioning member738, most preferably, a cable spring, attached at the other end at apredetermined location, e.g., to the pivotal portion, e.g., second bowor a corner bracket of the second bow, three bow, or to a door rail orto the header, etc.

It is understood that the tensioning device 738, cable 740 and bracket722 are adaptable for use on any other aspect of the present invention,including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forth herein.

The 3-bow assembly 720 further includes a rear bow upright 748 which ispivotally connected to the vehicle, most preferably, to the rear slopedsport bar 754 of the vehicle. The upright rear bow 748 rotates from agenerally upward/angled forward position (e.g., FIG. 34) to a generallydownward/angled rearward position (e.g., FIG. 46). A mounting bracket756 is operably connected to the sport bar 754 (or other suitablevehicle structure) with at least one fastener. As best shown in FIG. 42,preferably, the mounting bracket 756 attaches to the inward surface ofthe sport bar 754 and includes a tab 758 that is received in a slot 760formed on the knuckle or end of a rear bow upright 748. Preferably, therear bow upright 748 is attached to the tab 758 with a quick releasemember 762, e.g., such as a spring catch release knob that is pulled outof an aperture of the rear bow upright 748 and tab 758 on the bracket756 to quickly release the rear bow upright 748 knuckle from the bracket756.

The rear mounting bracket 756 is preferably on the inner side of thesport bar 754. Alternatively, the mounting bracket 756 is mounted suchthat the tab 758 is extends from a rear surface of the sport bar 754 toattach the rear bow upright 748.

The assembly 700 further includes a rearward fabric support bowassembly, shown generally at 764, that is pivotally connected to the3-bow assembly 720 at a pivot joint shown generally at 766. The3-bow/rearward fabric support bow assembly includes a lockout systemshown generally at 768, including an upstanding brace 770 connected tothe 3-bow upright 748 to selectively hold the rearward fabric supportbow assembly 764 in a locked position.

A mounting bracket 772 is provided on the 3-bow upright 748 to pivotallyconnect a leg 774 or short bow of the rearward fabric support bowassembly 764 to the 3-bow upright 748 at the pivot joint 766.Preferably, the bracket 772 is received in a slot 776 formed on theknuckle or end of the leg 774 and secured with a fastener to provide apivot point.

The rearward fabric support bow assembly 764 assembly also includes arear bow 778. The rear bow 778 is preferably connected to the leg 774with a bracket 780. The rear bow 778 includes a tab with a grommet 782for connecting windows of the assembly. Turned end portions 784 of therear bow 778 provide an attachment location for stay straps 786 of thecover 708, e.g., using a plurality of fasteners 788 such as screws. Theleg 774 is rotated rearward and to fit into the upstanding brace 770 andis held by the upstanding brace 770 to set the height and top edgelocation of the slanted back and tension the top deck 790. When desired(such as to gain access to attachment features of a rear window 795, theleg 774 is disengaged from the upstanding brace 770 and rotated towardthe front of the vehicle.

Most preferably, the cover 708 is secured to the bows of the assemblywith flaps of material provided on the inner surface of the cover. Byway of non-limiting example, flaps are sewn or otherwise suitablyattached to the surface of the cover that will face the inside of thevehicle and provided with tongue and loop. The 2-bow 709, 3-bow 734and/or 4-bow 764 are secured to the cover 708 with respective flaps ofthe cover 708. Alternatively, or additionally, straps are used.

At least one additional cross car member can be used which is/areinserted into slot(s) moved on the front rail 728.

FIG. 43 depicts an assembly 700 wherein the pivotal portion 704 has beenrotated to an open sunroof position. Quarter windows, shown generally at794, and the rear window 795 are depicted attached. An operator can alsodecide to rotate the pivotal portion 704 to the closed position andremove one or more of the windows. Further, when desired, one or morethan one of the windows can be removed for a further open air experiencewhile the pivotal portion 704 is in the open sunroof position.

FIG. 44 depicts the assembly 700 wherein the rear window 795 and quarterwindows 794,794 have been removed and the assembly 700 has been rotatedback and down into the tub or cargo area of the vehicle. To release thepivotal portion 704, the latch 730 of the locking mechanism 724 wasdepressed to rotate the catch 732 to release from the tab 726, therebyallowing the pivotal portion 704 to be released from the door rail foran operator to then rotate the entire frame to the cargo area. Thisprovides another open position for a further open air experience. Ifdesired, an operator can now additionally pull the quick release member762 to release the rear bow upright 748 from the mounting bracket 756 tocompletely remove the assembly 700 from the vehicle. In addition, it isunderstood that, alternatively, the windows 795 or 794,794 are notremoved prior to rotating the assembly 700 into the cargo area.

It is understood that the locking mechanism 724 and correspondingfeatures are adaptable for use on any other aspect of the presentinvention, including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forthherein.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 45-58, there is provided azipperless installation of quarter windows, shown generally at 794,794and the rear window 795. However, it is understood that the zipperlessfeatures and installation are adaptable and applicable for any 2-doorand 4-door soft top assemblies set forth previously and below. Thequarter windows 794,794 each include at least one rear corner stiffener791 (best shown in FIG. 45) inserted into a corner pocket 792 of thequarter window panels 794,794. By way of non-limiting example, thestiffener 791 is metal, steel, injection molded, thermoformed, etc. Thestiffener 791 holds the rear corner of the assembly 700 and the quarterwindow 794 planar.

As best shown in FIG. 46, a channel 798, e.g., plastic channel, of acarrier provided toward the top of the quarter window 794 is slid ontoan elongated thin tube 799 of the provided under the top deck 790 of thecover 708. It is understood that alternatively, the channel 789 can beprovided on the underside of the top deck and the thin tube 799 providedon the quarter window 794.

As best shown in FIG. 47, a pin 769, e.g., metal pin, provided on anupper corner inner facing surface of the quarter window 796, e.g., onthe corner flap section that also contains the stiffener 791, isinserted into the grommet 782 of the rear bow 778.

As best shown in FIG. 48, a pair of rear window mounts 800 are operablyconnected to the vehicle in predetermined locations depending on theapplication. Preferably, the mounts 800 are snapped into place on a rearbelt rail 804 adjacent to opposite sides of the tailgate opening of thevehicle. A strap 802 from the lower end of the quarter window 794 issnapped to the back side of the mount 800. It is understood that othersuitable attachments are contemplated depending on the applicationwithout departure from the scope of the present invention.

As best shown in FIG. 49, at least one front edge retainer 810 (e.g.,angled plastic strip, J-hook, spaced tabs or other suitable retainer) ofthe quarter window 794 is inserted into a generally vertical channel(relative to the installed position) formed toward the front edge of thevertical section of the rear door rail 746.

As best shown in FIG. 50, at least one bottom edge retainer 812 (e.g.,angled plastic strip, J-hook, spaced tabs or other suitable retainer) ofthe quarter window 794 is inserted into a horizontal belt rail,indicated generally at 814, of the vehicle.

As best shown in FIG. 51, at least one bottom corner edge retainer 816(e.g., angled plastic strip, J-hook, spaced tabs or other suitableretainer) of the quarter window 794 is inserted into a horizontal rearbelt rail of the vehicle adjacent the tailgate opening.

As best shown in FIG. 52, a channel 818, e.g., plastic channel, of acarrier 820 provided toward the top of the rear window 795 is slid ontoan elongated thin tube 822 of the provided under the top deck 790 of thecover 708. It is understood that alternatively, the channel 818 can beprovided on the underside of the top deck and the thin tube 822 providedon the rear window 795.

As best shown in FIG. 53, a channel 824 is provided on the quarter panel794, preferably, a plastic channel along an inner facing generallyvertical edge of the window 794 (relative to the installed position)adjacent to the rear window 795. At least one retainer member 826,preferably, a plastic tab sewn in to the fabric panel of the rear window795, is provided on the rear window 795, preferably on the outer edge ofthe rear window 795. The retainer 826 is inserted into the channel 824.

Referring now to FIGS. 54-56, the rear window 795 includes at least oneretainer 828, e.g., a P-welt retainer sewn and/or adhered to the window795, located toward the bottom inner facing horizontal edge (relative tothe installed position). The retainer 828 includes a protruding feature,preferably, a larger tube shaped elongated member 830. The assembly 700includes a tailgate bar member 832 having at least one channel 834. Thetailgate bar channel 834 is slid onto the tube 830 of the retainer 828.It is understood that alternatively, the channel 834 can be provided onthe rear window 795 and the retainer 828 provided on the rear window795. Once the tailgate bar 832 is slid onto the retainer 828, thetailgate bar 832 is then connected to the mount 800. Preferably, arearward edge portion 836 of the tailgate bar 832 is snapped into a backchannel 838 formed in the mount 800. At least one retainer 840 (e.g.,plastic tab, short angled plastic strip, J-hook, spaced tabs or othersuitable retainer) provided toward the bottom inner facing edge of therear window 795 is inserted into a horizontal rear belt rail of thevehicle adjacent the tailgate opening and mount 800.

Additional bows, such as intermediate bows or fabric management bows,and additional linkages are within the scope of the present invention.

The back of the assembly 700 is slanted. Generally, the angle of theslanted back 701 is less than 90 degrees. Typically, from about 75 toabout 30 degrees. Preferably, from 75 to about 40 degrees. Mostpreferably, from 70 to 45 degrees.

The present invention provides for the slanted back. The slanted backprovides a profile that is angled downward in the rear of the vehicletoward the tailgate. More particularly, a rear window panel can be at apredetermined angle from the upright position, off-vertical. Generally,at least 15 degrees from vertical, typically at least 20 degrees,preferably at least 25 degrees, most preferably, at least 35 degrees,particularly preferred from about 15 to 45 degrees.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention,the soft top assembly 700 is adapted to incorporate a guide track 1002located in a door rail 1004 (e.g., see FIGS. 66-67). Alternatively, theguide track is fastened to the vehicle, e.g., bolted to the sport bar.Preferably, the door rail 1004 is a rear door rail extending generallyabove the rear door of the vehicle to adjacent the rear cross member 842of the vehicle. Most preferably, the pivotal portion 704 incorporatesthe tab 726 for the locking mechanism 724, which mechanism 724 islocated in front of the door rail 1004 or incorporated into the doorrail 1004. Thus, the locking mechanism 724 secures the pivotal portion704 in the open sunroof position, and, additionally, prevents theassembly 700 from sliding rearward in the guide track 1002 untildesired. It is understood that an alternative locking mechanism can beused suitable for preventing the assembly 700 from sliding rearward whennot desired.

As will be explained in greater detail below, when an operator desiresto move the assembly 700 rearward and downward to the cargo area, atleast one slidable feature of the top is slid generally rearward in achannel 1006 of the guide track 1004 until reaching a spring loadedmechanism, shown generally at 1008. The operator can leave the top inthis open position. Further, the operator can operably manipulate thespring loaded mechanism to release the slidable feature from the channel1006 to remove the top from the track 1002. This allows the top to beplaced down further into the cargo area, or, further, to allow removalof the top from the vehicle once the quick release member 762 of therear bow upright 748 is also released.

It is understood that guide track 1002 can, alternatively, be bolted toa front or rear door rail or to the vehicle, e.g., sport bar(s),depending on the application without departure from the scope of thepresent invention.

The guide track 1002 includes a channel 1006 operable for retaining aslidable feature operably mounted to any soft top assembly set forthpreviously.

Referring now to FIGS. 57 to 65 generally, there is provided a soft topcover assembly, shown generally at 900, that is a slanted back soft toassembly for a 2-door SUV, or any other suitable type of motor vehicle,in accordance with the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 65, theassembly 900 provides an angled back, as indicated at 901. This angle isa predetermined range amount off vertical. The assembly 900 is movablebetween a closed position closing off an opening generally above thefront cockpit of the vehicle and at least one open sunroof position (seeFIG. 64) to rotate the cover rearward out of the way to provide an openair feel and further to an open position with the assembly 900 rotatedinto the cargo are of the vehicle.

The assembly 900 includes an articulating frame indicated generally at902 including a pivotal portion shown generally at 904 forming a frontbow system. The pivotal portion 904 is moveable between at least aclosed position and at least one open sunroof position. The pivotalportion 904 includes a front header 906 or “1 bow” operable connected toa cover 908 that is a soft top material. The pivotal portion 904 alsoincludes a second bow 909 and a linkage assembly including a front rail910 pivotally connected to a rear rail 912 at a pivot joint showngenerally at 913. The second bow 909 is operably connected to the frontor rear rail 910,912, preferably, to the rear rail 912. An intermediatelink 914 is operably connected to the second bow 909 toward one end andpivotally connected to the rear rail 912 toward the other end with atleast one fastener creating a pivot point indicated generally at 907. Itis understood that additional link, bows and rails are contemplateddepending on the application without departure from the scope of thepresent invention.

The rear rail 912 is rotatably connected to the vehicle at a pivotpoint, shown generally at 920, provided on a mounting bracket 922. Themounting bracket 922 is located at a predetermined location on thevehicle depending on the application, preferably, mounted to a B-pillaror door side rail 928 connected to the B-pillar. The door side rail 928includes a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portionin sealing engagement with a door 929 of the vehicle.

A locking mechanism is provided, shown generally at 924, to secure thepivotal portion 904 in place when in the closed position and opensunroof position. A locking flange is aligned with a bushing positionedabove a spring loaded locking lever assembly, shown generally at 930,preferably, located in the top of the door rail 928. A latch releaselever 932 is pressed, preferably, located on the underside of the doorrail 928, and a flange 934 with an aperture 936 is brought intoalignment with a spring loaded locking pin 938 and the lever released932. Once engaged with the pin 938, the pivotal portion 904 remainssecured to the door rail 928 when the pivotal portion is in the closedposition or open sunroof position. To disengage the pivotal portion 904from the door rail 928, the lever 932 is pressed and the pivotal portion904 is lifted from the locking mechanism 924.

It is understood that the locking mechanism 924 and locking leverassembly 930 and corresponding features are adaptable for use on anyother aspect of the present invention, including any of the soft topcover assemblies set forth herein.

The door rail 928 is connected to the vehicle, preferably, connected toa front sport bar 940 of the vehicle with a plurality of fasteners 942,such as threaded fasteners, extending through a plurality of clampingsurfaces 944 on the door rail 928.

The pivotal portion 904 can include at least one limiting stop.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 920 atleast partially wraps around the sport bar 940 and includes a tab 948that is received in a slot formed on the knuckle or end of a rear rail912. Preferably, the rear rail 912 is attached to the tab 948 with aquick release member (e.g., such as depicted in FIG. 42), e.g., such asa spring catch release knob that is pulled out of an aperture of therear rail 912 and tab 948 on the bracket 922 to quickly release the rearrail 912 knuckle from the bracket 922. The bracket 922 of the rear railis located generally in the B-pillar area such that the rear rail 912curves generally upward and over the cross car member of the vehicleadjacent the front cockpit when the assembly 900 is in the closedposition or open sunroof position. The rear rail 912 can then rotategenerally rearward and down to the cargo area of the vehicle for anadditional open are position.

At least one top arch 951 is provided that is held in respective slots953 formed in the door rail 928. The top arch 951 extends cross car forfurther support of the cover 908 in at least the closed position.

The assembly 900 further includes a rearward fabric support bowassembly, shown generally at 952, which is pivotally connected to thevehicle, most preferably, to the rear sport bar 954 of the vehicle. Therearward fabric support bow assembly 952 rotates from a generally upwardposition to a generally downward position. A mounting bracket 956 isoperably connected to the sport bar 954 (or other suitable vehiclestructure) with at least one fastener. In a particularly preferredembodiment, the mounting bracket 956 at least partially wraps around thesport bar 954 and includes a tab that is received in a slot 960 formedon the knuckle or end of a rear bow upright 962. Preferably, the rearbow upright 962 is attached to the tab with a quick release member 966(e.g., such as also depicted in FIG. 42), e.g., such as a spring catchrelease knob that is pulled out of an aperture of the rear bow upright962 and tab on the bracket 956 to quickly release the rear bow upright962 knuckle from the bracket 956.

The rear mounting bracket 956 is preferably on the rear of the sport bar954. Alternatively, the mounting bracket 956 is mounted such that thetab is located on an inner surface of the sport bar 954 to attach therear bow upright 962 inward.

The rear bow upright 962 is operably connected to a rear bow 964,preferably, by a bracket 968 connecting the rear bow upright 962 to therear bow 964. The rear bow 964 includes an extension portion 970 towhich stay straps 972 for the cover 908 are operably connected,preferably by a plurality of fasteners to the end of the rear bow 964.

The rearward fabric support bow assembly 952 also includes a tab with agrommet 980 for connecting windows of the assembly, as describedpreviously in further detail.

Preferably, at least one bumper 981 is provided on the upright bow 962as a stand-off with the sport bar 954. When the upright bow 962 is in agenerally upward vertical position, the bumper 981 is between the bow962 and sport bar 954. It is understood that at least one bumper canalso be provided on the rear rail 912 to touch off with the sport part930 when in the upright position.

The cover 908 extends over the second bow 909 and the rear bow 964 andalso assists in managing the fabric to operably fold out of the way intothe open sunroof position and open down position. It is understood thatthe cover 908 can be operable connected to the second bow 909 and/orrear bow 964 when desired depending on the application without departurefrom the scope of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example,an extrusion sewn to the cover 908 is received in a channel provided onthe second bow 909 or vice versa. Preferably, the cover 608 is operableconnected to the rear bow 964 and/or 2-bow 909. Most preferably, thecover 908 is secured to the bows 909 and 964 of the assembly 900 withflaps of material provided on the inner surface of the cover 908. By wayof non-limiting example, flaps are sewn and/or adhered or otherwisesuitably attached to the surface of the cover that will face the insideof the vehicle and provided with tongue and loop. The 2-bow 909 and/orrear bow 964 are secured to the cover 908 with respective flaps of thecover 908. Alternatively, or additionally, straps are used.

The assembly 900 selectively provides further plurality of open airoptions, including, removal of a rear window or one or both of rearwardquarter windows shown generally at 974. When the rear window and bothquarter windows 974 are removed, the cover 908 can remain attachedproviding a roof top with the top deck 990 alone or the pivotal portion904 can be rotated to the open sunroof position such that the frontcockpit is not covered but the rest of the top deck 990 covers the topof the vehicle. The assembly pivotal portion 904, rearward fabricsupport bow assembly 952, and cover 908 can also be removed from thevehicle to provide a fully open air experience. The quick releasemembers assist in quicker removal of the assembly 900 from the vehiclewhen desired. The rear and quarter windows are preferably connected tothe top deck 990 and vehicle in a zipperless manner, as was explained ingreater detail above and depicted in FIGS. 45 to 56, which areincorporated here.

The back of the assembly 900 is slanted. Generally, the angle of theslanted back 901 is less than 90 degrees. Typically, from about 75 toabout 30 degrees. Preferably, from 75 to about 40 degrees. Mostpreferably, from 70 to 45 degrees.

The present invention provides for the slanted back. The slanted backprovides a profile that is angled downward in the rear of the vehicletoward the tailgate. More particularly, a rear window panel can be at apredetermined angle from the upright position, off-vertical. Generally,at least 15 degrees from vertical, typically at least 20 degrees,preferably at least 25 degrees, most preferably, at least 35 degrees,particularly preferred from about 15 to 45 degrees.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention,the soft top assembly 900 is adapted to incorporate a guide track 1002located in a door rail 1004 (e.g., see FIGS. 66-67). Alternatively, theguide track is fastened to the vehicle, e.g., bolted to the sport bar.Preferably, the door rail 1004 is a rear door rail extending generallybehind the front seats of the vehicle and/to adjacent the rear crossmember of the vehicle. Most preferably, the top assembly 900incorporates the locking mechanism 924 which mechanism 924 is located infront of the door rail 1004 or incorporated into the door rail 1004.Thus, the locking mechanism 924 secures the pivotal portion 904 in theopen sunroof position, and, additionally, prevents the assembly 900 fromsliding rearward in the guide track 1002 until desired. It is understoodthat an alternative locking mechanism can be used suitable forpreventing the assembly 900 from sliding rearward when not desired.

As will be explained in greater detail below, when an operator desiresto move the assembly 900 rearward and downward to the cargo area, atleast one slidable feature of the top is slid generally rearward in achannel 1006 of the guide track 1004 until reaching a spring loadedmechanism, shown generally at 1008. The operator can leave the top inthis open position. Further, the operator can operably manipulate thespring loaded mechanism to release the slidable feature from the channel1006 to remove the top from the track 1002. This allows the top to beplaced down further into the cargo area, or, further, to allow removalof the top entirely from the vehicle once the quick release member 966of the rear bow upright 962 is also released.

It is understood that guide track 1002 can, alternatively, be bolted toa front or rear door rail or to the vehicle, e.g., sport bar(s),depending on the application without departure from the scope of thepresent invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 66-67 generally, there is depicted the guidetrack 1002 located in the door rail 1004. The guide track 1002 includesthe channel 1006 operable for retaining a slidable feature operablymounted to any soft top assembly set forth previously. A particularlypreferred environment of use for the door rail 1004 incorporating theguide track 1002 is a 4-door SUV. However, it is understood that thedoor rail 1004 incorporating the guide track 1002 can be adapted to a2-door SUV depending on the application without departure from the scopeof the present invention.

At the rearmost end of the channel 1006 there is provided a securingmechanism 1008 which prevents the soft top assembly from sliding out ofthe channel 1006. Preferably, the securing mechanism 1008 is a springloaded mechanism. An operator can slide the top until the slidablefeature in the track or any other suitable feature on the top, contactsthe securing mechanism 1008. The operator can leave the top in thisopen/down position. Further, the operator can selectively operablymanipulate the spring loaded mechanism 1008 when desired to release theslidable feature from the channel 1006 to remove the top from the track1002 entirely. This allows the top to be placed down further into thecargo area, or, further, to allow removal of the top entirely from thevehicle.

It is understood that the guide track 1002 and corresponding featuresare adaptable for use on any other aspect of the present invention,including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forth herein.

FIG. 68 depicts a door rail 1020 with an integrated guide track 1022having a channel 1024 that is opened in the direction toward the centerof the vehicle (in an inward direction). The door rail 1020 is operablyconnected adjacent to a sport bar 1032, or other structure of thevehicle, and is preferably in sealing engagement with the door of thevehicle. The soft top assembly includes framework 1026, e.g., side railsor bows, for articulating the top, as set forth previously, andadditionally includes at least one standoff feature 1028 (e.g.,bracket(s), pins, bolts, etc) operably connected to at least one rollerbearing(s) 1030. The roller bearing 1030 travels in the channel 1024, asdescribed previously. A particularly preferred environment of use forthe door rail 1020 with an integrated guide track 1022 is a 4-door SUV.However, it is understood that the door rail 1020 with an integratedguide track 1022 can be adapted to a 2-door SUV or any other motorvehicle depending on the application without departure from the scope ofthe present invention.

It is understood that the door rail 1020 with an integrated guide track1022 having a channel 1024 and corresponding features are adaptable foruse on any other aspect of the present invention, including any of thesoft top cover assemblies set forth herein.

FIG. 69 depicts a door rail 1040 where the track 1042 is not integratedwith the door rail 1040. The door rail 1040 is operably connectedadjacent to a sport bar 1032, or other structure of the vehicle, and ispreferably in sealing engagement with the door of the vehicle. The track1042 is connected to the vehicle by at least one fastener 1044, e.g.,operably bolted to the sport bar 1032. The track 1042 has a channel 1046that opens away from the center of the vehicle (in an outwarddirection). At least one bracket or brace 1048 connects the track 1042to the sport bar 1032 each with at least one fastener 1044. The soft topassembly includes framework 1050, e.g., side rails or bows, forarticulating the top, as set forth previously, and additionally includesat least one standoff feature 1052 (e.g., bracket(s), pins, bolts, tabsetc) operably connected to at least one roller bearing(s) 1054. Theroller bearing 1054 travels in the channel 1046, as describedpreviously. A particularly preferred environment of use for the doorrail 1040 without an integrated guide track 1042 is a 2-door SUV.However, it is understood that the door rail 1040 without an integratedguide track 1042 can be adapted to a 4-door SUV or any other motorvehicle depending on the application without departure from the scope ofthe present invention.

It is understood that the track 1042 and corresponding features areadaptable for use on any other aspect of the present invention,including any of the soft top cover assemblies set forth herein.

Providing at least one seal, e.g., rubber, foam, etc, to further preventwater from entering the vehicle is contemplated without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. Preferably, rubber to prevent waterpermeation. According to one embodiment, the seal, e.g., bulb seal, islocated on a door rail and seals off with the underside of the header.

Providing a unique header to door rail interface is contemplated withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Adding at least oneseal in this region is contemplated without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

Providing at least one hole in a trough/lip area of a door rail, e.g.,between door edge and door weather-strip, for assisting with waterdrainage is contemplated without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Providing at least one stop to set the predetermined height of theassembly in the open sunroof position is contemplated without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

Providing a header that is steel, cast aluminum, molded plastic, or anyother material to meet predetermined requirements is contemplatedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably,the header is cast aluminum.

The cover is operably coupled to the header. Visual attachment offasteners for access is contemplated without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

Preferably, the soft top assembly is secured to a windshield frame withquick release latches. Locating features on each latch and acorresponding saddle on the windshield frame are contemplated withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

At least one locking mechanism, e.g., rear location to lock downposition of top in down position, and/or at least one trigger releasearrangement is provided according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Incorporating removable soft upper half door(s), soft full door(s)and/or soft quarter panels with any of the above soft top coverassemblies is contemplated without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

The 2-door and 4-door descriptions described herein are not limiting. Itis understood that any embodiment, and combinations thereof, describedherein can be modified and is/are utilizable on any convertible, 2-dooror 4-door vehicle.

It is understood that the left side of the assemblies are substantiallya mirror-image of the right side of the assemblies.

Referring now to FIGS. 70-73 there is depicted adjustable tensioningdevices or mechanisms to tension the top cover, as desired, e.g., totension the top generally upward and rearward. It is understood that anyof the adjustable tensioning mechanisms, and any of the soft topassemblies or parts described herein or shown in FIGS. 1-73, areadaptable for use on any aspect of the present invention, includingintegrating any aspects of the adjustable tensioning mechanism depictedin FIGS. 70-73 into any of the rear bow assemblies or soft top coverassemblies described or shown herein, including, but not limited to,assembly 10, 50, 80, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 900, dependingon the particular application without departure from the scope of thepresent invention.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 70, at least one rearward fabricsupport assembly shown generally at 1100 is provided for incorporatinginto any of the soft top assemblies (e.g., 600, etc), according to thepresent invention. The rearward fabric support assembly 1100 includes atleast one tensioning device 1102 that is inflatable, e.g., inflatableair bladder, and shaped to tension the soft top assembly. Alternatively,the tensioning device 1102 is an expandable foam or any other suitablematerial to expand and tension the top. The tensioning device 1102 isoperably attached, indicated at 1124, to the cover 1104, e.g., to theinner surface of the top deck fabric, to set the generally rear positionof the rearward fabric support assembly 1100. The tensioning device 1102includes a cross car portion 1106 extending cross car generally at therear of the top deck. When the vehicle has a rear cross car sport bar,the cross car portion 1106 rests generally over the cross car sport bar.The cover 1104 is attached by radio frequency welding. Alternatively,the attachment is by sewing, adhesive, fasteners, welding, sewn pocketin the fabric or any other suitable attachment. The tensioning device1102 is a single piece or multiple pieces, e.g., three air bladders.

The tensioning device 1102 provides a mechanism to tension the top,e.g., tension the top generally upward and rearward. The tensioningdevice 1102 preferably includes the at least one cross car portion 1106,at least one pair of leg extensions 1108 and, optionally, at least onepair of downward extension portions 1110. The cross car portion 1106extends cross car generally at the upper rear edge of the soft topassembly. The leg extensions 1108 are positioned generally on top ofrespective fore/aft sport bars. Each downward extension 1110 ispositioned generally toward the top of a rear corner 1112 of the rearwindow panel, shown generally at 1114.

Adjustment of the tensioning device 1102 or inflation is preferablyperformed, when desired, after the soft top assembly is installed on theSUV. By way of example, the edge of the top deck 1116 is flipped up atthe quarter window panel 1118 to access at least one inflation pump 1120of the inflation portion 1102 to give an operator a custom fit after thetop/fabric is installed. The inflation pump 1120 is an integratedinternal quick inflation hand pump. Alternatively, the pump 1120 is anelectric pump, external hand pump operated or any other pump suitablefor inflation as desired. One inflation pump 1120 is depicted on theextension leg 1108, however, more inflation pumps 1120 are contemplateddepending on the application without departure from the scope of thepresent invention. At least one inflation pump 1120 can be located inthe cross car portion 1106 and/or either or both leg extensions1108,1108 and/or downward extensions 1110.

At least one air valve 1122 is provided on the tensioning device 1102,such as a quick release air valve, to deflate tensioning of the top whendesired. One air valve 1122 is depicted on the extension leg 1108,however, more air valves 1122 are contemplated depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.At least one air valve 1122 can be located in the cross car inflationportion 1102 and/or either or both leg extensions 1108,1108.

FIG. 70 generally depicts the rearward fabric support assembly 1100adapted to incorporate with the soft top cover assembly 600, which isexemplary and none limiting. It is understood that the adjustablerearward fabric support assembly 1100 and any of the soft top coverassemblies or parts herein can be integrated for tensioning the soft topincluding, but not limited to, assembly 10, 50, 80, 100, 200, 300, 400,500, 600, 700, 900, etc depending on the particular application withoutdeparture from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 70 generally depicts a 2-door SUV with the rearward fabric supportassembly 1100 attached to the cover 1104 of any of the soft topassemblies. It is understood that the rearward fabric support assembly1100 is adaptable for use with a 4-door SUV.

It is contemplated that the rearward fabric support assembly 1100 caneliminate the need for a cross car rear bow, according to an aspect ofthe present invention. It is contemplated that the cross car portion1106 of the tensioning device 1102 is coupled to a rear bow of the softtop assembly depending on the application without departure from thescope of the present invention.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 71, at least one rearward fabricsupport assembly shown generally at 1200 is provided for incorporatinginto any of the soft top assemblies (e.g., 700, etc), according to thepresent invention. The rearward fabric support assembly 1200 includes atleast one tensioning device 1202 that is inflatable, e.g., inflatableair bladder, and shaped to tension the soft top assembly. Alternatively,the tensioning device 1202 is an expandable foam or any other suitablematerial to expand and tension the top. The tensioning device 1202 restson top of at least one sport bar 1208 and/or is operably attached to thecover, omitted for clarity, e.g., RF welded to the inner surface of thetop deck fabric at the rear. Alternatively, when attached to the cover,the attachment is by sewing, adhesive, fasteners, welding, sewn pocketin the fabric or any other suitable attachment. The tensioning device1202 is a single piece or multiple pieces, e.g., three air bladders.

The tensioning device 1202 provides a mechanism to tension the top,e.g., tension the top generally upward and rearward. The tensioningdevice 1202 preferably includes a pair of leg extensions 1204 and,optionally, a pair of downward extension portions 1206. The tensioningdevice 1202 sits generally on top of the cross car sport bar cross 1208.The leg extensions 1206 are positioned generally on top of respectivefore/aft sport bars 1208,1208. Each downward extension 1206 ispositioned generally toward the top of a rear corner of the rear windowpanel of downward angled portions 1210 of the sport bars 1208.

Adjustment of the rearward fabric support assembly 1200 or inflation ispreferably performed, when desired, after the soft top assembly isinstalled on the SUV. By way of example, the edge of the top deck isflipped up at the quarter window panel to access at least one inflationpump 1212 of the tensioning device 1202 to give an operator a custom fitafter the top/fabric is installed. The inflation pump 1212 is anelectric pump with an on/off 1214 button or switch. Alternatively, theinflation pump 1212 is an integrated internal quick inflation hand pumpor any other pump suitable for inflation as desired. One inflation pump1212 is depicted on the extension leg 1204, however, more inflationpumps 1212 are contemplated depending on the application withoutdeparture from the scope of the present invention. At least oneinflation pump 1212 can be located in the cross car inflation portionand/or either or both leg extensions 1204,1204 and/or extension1206,1206.

At least one air valve 1216 is provided on the tensioning device 1202,such as a quick release air valve, to deflate tensioning of the top whendesired. One air valve 1216 is depicted on the extension leg 1204,however, more air valves 1216 are contemplated depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.At least one air valve 1216 can be located in the cross car portion ofthe tensioning device 1202 and/or either or both leg extensions1204,1204 and/or extensions 1206,1206.

According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention,which aspect is exemplary and none limiting, the rearward fabric supportassembly 1200 is incorporated with the soft top cover assembly 700. Itis understood that the adjustable rearward fabric support assembly 1200and any of the soft top cover assemblies or parts herein can beintegrated for tensioning the soft top including, but not limited to,assembly 10, 50, 80, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 900, etcdepending on the particular application without departure from the scopeof the present invention.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 72, a rearward fabric supportassembly shown generally at 1300 is provided for incorporating into anyof the soft top assemblies (e.g., 600, 700, etc), according to thepresent invention. By way of example, the rearward fabric supportassembly is identical to FIG. 33 except the adjustment for fabrictensioning is done with a tensioning device shown generally at 1310 thatincludes a threaded member 1312, rather than a compression spring. Aparticularly preferred environment of use for the rearward fabricsupport assembly 1300 is a 4-door SUV, however, the assembly 1300 isadaptable for incorporating on a 2-door SUV or any other suitable typeof motor vehicle and incorporation with any soft top assembly (e.g.,600, 700, 900, etc), in accordance with the present invention.

The tensioning device 1310 includes a mounting bracket 1304 operablyconnected to the vehicle by at least one fastener, preferably, to abracket 1306 or rail operably connected to a sport bar 1308 adjacent arear cross car member 1318 of the vehicle. The mounting bracket 1304 isoperably connected to a tube 1302 that is a threaded tube. A threadedmember 1312 is received in the threaded tube 1302 to move generallyfore/aft. The other end of the threaded member 1312 is operablyconnected to a rear bow 1316. A tensioning nut 1314, e.g., of a jackscrew nut, is received on the threaded member 1312 to move the threadedmember 1312, and thereby the rear bow 1316, generally rearward totension the top deck of the soft top assembly and generally forward torelease the tension a desired amount, when desired.

Typically, the fabric is attached to the rear bow by snaps allowing thecustomer to completely remove the fabric without tools when desired.Alternatively, attachment is contemplated, e.g., adhesive, sewnpocket(s), and/or fastener(s) such as screws, etc, depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.

It is understood that the rear bow 1316 can additionally be operablyconnected to a rear bow upright pivotally connected to the vehicle,e.g., sport bar, at a knuckle with a quick release member, as set forthpreviously, according to an aspect of the present invention.

According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention,which aspect is exemplary and none limiting, the rearward fabric supportassembly 1300 is incorporated with the soft top cover assembly 600. Itis understood that the adjustable rearward fabric support assembly 1300and any of the soft top cover assemblies or parts herein can beintegrated for tensioning the soft top including, but not limited to,assembly 10, 50, 80, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 900, etcdepending on the particular application without departure from the scopeof the present invention.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 73, a rearward fabric supportassembly shown generally at 1400 is provided for incorporating into anyof the soft top assemblies (e.g., 600, 700, 900, etc), according to thepresent invention. The assembly 1400 incorporates a cam style bracketwhich allows an operator to change the front to back position of therear bow to adjust for fabric tension and reduce installation effort.The assembly 1400 has a tensioning device shown generally at 1402 with acam 1403, preferably, an eccentric cam, to adjust the rear bow 1404front to back by indexing the cam bracket 1412 between fixed positions.The cam 1403 includes a plurality of recesses 1406 formed in the cam1403 that receive a pin 1408 connected to the bracket 1412 foradjustment. The cam 1403 is operably connected to the bracket 1412 suchas by fastener 1410. The bracket 1412 is operably connected to the rearbow 1404, e.g., welded. Preferably, the rear bow 1404 is mounted to thesport bar with existing fasteners using the rotating eccentric cam 1403to adjust the rear bow 1404 front/back by indexing the cam bracketbetween fixed positions generally defined by the recesses 1406. Thecover is operably connected to the rear bow 1404, e.g., such as by abracket connected to the bracket with the cover snapped or fastened withfasteners to the rear bow, as set forth previously. Preferably, bothends of the rear bow 1404 have a tensioning device 1402 withcorresponding recesses 1406.

Optionally, at least one mounting bracket 1414 connects the bracket 1412to the sport bar 1416, preferably, the rearward fore/aft sport bar 1416.Preferably, the mounting bracket 1414 includes a slot to receive thefastener, e.g., bolt, to slide back and forth. Alternatively, nomounting bracket 1414 is provided and rather the bracket 1412 is onlyconnected to the rear bow 1404, e.g., welded, in a position adjacent tothe sport bar 1416.

A handle 1418 is provided for an operator to grasp to turn the cam 1402about pivot point 1410. As the cam 1403 rotates in either direction, asindicated by arrow “R′”, the recesses 1406 are brought into engagementwith the pin 1408, respectively, where the position is held untildesired release. The rotation of the cam 1403 moves the assembly 1400generally front/back, as indicated by arrow “L′”.

It is understood that the rear bow 1404 can additionally be operablyconnected to a rear bow upright pivotally connected to the vehicle,e.g., sport bar, at a knuckle with a quick release member, as set forthpreviously, according to an aspect of the present invention.

Typically, the fabric is attached to the rear bow by snaps allowing thecustomer to completely remove the fabric without tools when desired.Alternatively, attachment is contemplated, e.g., adhesive, sewnpocket(s), and/or fastener(s) such as screws, etc, depending on theapplication without departure from the scope of the present invention.

According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention,which aspect is exemplary and none limiting, the rearward fabric supportassembly 1400 is incorporated with the soft top cover assembly 600. Itis understood that the adjustable rearward fabric support assembly 1400and any of the soft top cover assemblies or parts herein can beintegrated for tensioning the soft top including, but not limited to,assembly 10, 50, 80, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 900, etcdepending on the particular application without departure from the scopeof the present invention.

A particularly preferred environment of use for the rearward fabricsupport assembly 1400 is a 4-door SUV, however, the assembly 1400 isadaptable for incorporating on a 2-door SUV or any other suitable typeof motor vehicle and incorporation with any soft top assembly (e.g.,600, 700, 900, etc), in accordance with the present invention.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A folding/slanted back soft top assembly for asport utility vehicle, comprising: a pivotal portion operably coupled tothe sport utility vehicle and selectively pivotal between a closedposition and at least one open position; a cover including a top deckoperably coupled to the pivotal portion, wherein said top deck closesoff an opening of the vehicle when in the closed position, andselectively pivoting the pivotal portion uncovers said opening of thevehicle; a rear window operably selectively coupled to the top deck andoperably coupled to the vehicle; a rearward fabric support assemblypositioned toward the rear underside of the top deck and providingadjustment for tensioning the cover.
 2. The folding/slanted back softtop assembly of claim 1, wherein the rearward fabric support assemblyincludes at least one tensioning device that is adjustable to tensionthe top deck when desired.
 3. The folding/slanted back soft top assemblyof claim 1, wherein the rearward fabric support assembly includes atleast one tensioning device that is an air bladder that isinflatable/deflatable when desired.
 4. The folding/slanted back soft topassembly of claim 3, wherein the air bladder includes a cross carportion that rests upon at least a rear cross car sport bar.
 5. Thefolding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim 3, wherein the airbladder includes a pair of leg extensions that rest upon respectivefore/aft sport bars.
 6. The folding/slanted back soft top assembly ofclaim 3, wherein the air bladder includes a pair of downward extensionsthat rest upon respective sport bars.
 7. The folding/slanted back softtop assembly of claim 3, wherein the air bladder is operably connectedto the underside of the top deck.
 8. The folding/slanted back soft topassembly of claim 7, wherein the air bladder is radio frequency weldedto the top deck.
 9. The folding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim3, wherein the at least one tensioning device includes at least oneinflation pump to inflate the bladder to increase tensioning on the topdeck as desired.
 10. The folding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim9, wherein the inflation pump is an electric pump.
 11. Thefolding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim 9, wherein the inflationpump is an inflation hand pump.
 12. The folding/slanted back soft topassembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one tensioning device includesat least one air valve to deflate the air bladder to decrease tensioningon the top deck as desired.
 13. The folding/slanted back soft topassembly of claim 1, wherein the rearward fabric support assemblyincludes at least one tensioning device that operably moves fore/aft toincrease/decrease tensioning on the top deck when desired.
 14. Thefolding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim 1, wherein the rearwardfabric support assembly includes a rear bow and at least one tensioningdevice, said rear bow selectively attached to the top deck and operablyconnected to said at least one tensioning device, said tensioning deviceoperably moves the rear bow fore/aft to increase/decrease tensioning onthe top deck when desired.
 15. The folding/slanted back soft topassembly of claim 1, wherein the rearward fabric support assemblyincludes a rear bow selectively attached to the top deck and operablyconnected to at least one tensioning device that includes a threadedtube and a jack screw nut to move the rear bow fore/aft toincrease/decrease tensioning on the top deck when desired.
 16. Thefolding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim 1, wherein the rearwardfabric support assembly includes a rear bow selectively attached to thetop deck and operably connected to at least one tensioning device thatincludes a rotatable cam with a plurality of recesses to move the rearbow fore/aft to increase/decrease tensioning on the top deck whendesired.
 17. The folding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim 1,wherein the rearward fabric support assembly includes a fixed pinreceived within a respective one of said plurality of recesses as thecam is turned to said recess by an operator to retain the tensionedposition until the cam is again rotated to another recess toincrease/decrease the tension to the top deck, as desired.
 18. Thefolding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim 1, wherein the rearwardfabric support assembly is positioned to set the height of the top deckand rear window.
 19. The folding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim1, wherein the rear window is slanted downward and rearward to thevehicle at an angle of at least about 15 degrees.
 20. Thefolding/slanted back soft top assembly of claim 1, further comprising apair of quarter windows operably connected to the top deck and to therear window.
 21. The folding/slanted back soft top assembly claim 20,wherein the rear window and pair of quarter windows are selectivelyslideably connected to the top deck.
 22. The folding/slanted back softtop assembly claim 1, further comprising a tailgate bar slideablyconnected to the rear window, said tailgate bar operably connected tothe vehicle adjacent a tailgate.
 23. A folding/slanted back soft topassembly for a sport utility vehicle, comprising: a pivotal portionoperably coupled to the sport utility vehicle and selectively pivotalbetween a closed position and at least one open position; a coverincluding a top deck operably coupled to the pivotal portion, whereinsaid top deck closes off an opening of the vehicle when in the closedposition, and selectively pivoting the pivotal portion uncovers saidopening of the vehicle; a rear window operably selectively coupled tothe top deck and operably coupled to the vehicle; a rearward fabricsupport assembly positioned toward the rear underside of the top deckand including a tensioning device for adjustment and tensioning of thetop deck as desired.
 24. A folding/slanted back soft top assembly for asport utility vehicle, comprising: a pivotal portion operably coupled tothe sport utility vehicle and selectively pivotal between a closedposition and at least one open position; a cover including a top deckoperably coupled to the pivotal portion, wherein said top deck closesoff an opening of the vehicle when in the closed position, andselectively pivoting the pivotal portion uncovers said opening of thevehicle; a rear window operably selectively coupled to the top deck andto the vehicle; a pair of quarter windows selectively coupled to the topdeck and to the vehicle; a rearward fabric support assembly positionedtoward the rear underside of the top deck and including a tensioningdevice for adjustment and increased/decreased tensioning of the top deckand rear window as desired after the folding/slanted back soft topassembly is installed on the vehicle.